News in brief

Tony Ryan, the founder of Europe's largest low-cost airline, died yesterday at his home in Co Kildare. Mr Ryan, 71, established Ryanair 23 years ago with a 15-seat aircraft flying from Waterford in south-east Ireland to Gatwick. Today it is one of the biggest success stories in aviation history and expects to carry 52 million passengers next year. Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief executive, said: "It was a privilege to work for him and to learn from him. I will miss his guidance, encouragement and friendship. We are all determined that Ryanair will continue to carry his name with pride and distinction." Dan Milmo

Trinity Mirror brings in Thomson man

The newspaper group Trinity Mirror has appointed a new digital tsar as it seeks to move more of its business on to the web. Reacting to advertising moving online, the owner of the Mirror named Max Alexander yesterday as managing director of new ventures and strategy. It said he would look for acquisitions and develop new products while also managing online recruitment. Mr Alexander was chief executive of Thomson Directories. The appointment comes days after Trinity Mirror confirmed it was scrapping the sale of its Midlands regional newspapers because of a lack of acceptable offers. Katie Allen